Eureka! The National Children's Museum

Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Halifax, West Yorkshire

UK Museums: Eureka! The National Children's Museum

Eureka! The National Children's Museum Museum. — The exterior of the building and giant sandpit

Eureka! The National Children's Museum is an interactive museum dedicated to children aged 0-11 in Halifax. Eureka! encourages learning through play and discovery. It features hands-on exhibits on science, technology, and everyday life, making it a popular family attraction. The sister Eureka! Science + Discovery Museum ;is on the Wirral near Liverpool.

History

The museum is a charity registered by philanthropist, Vivien Duffield, who was inspired by a visit to a children's museum in Boston, USA in the 1980s to create a similar institution in the UK aimed at young kids and their parents.

Eureka! was built on former British Rail land right next to the present Halifax railway station, in a location suggested by Prince (now King) Charles. Charles himself opened the museum in 1992 and was its patron until 2002.

The architects of the building were Building Design Partnership (BDP) with exhibition design input from the likes of Tim Hunkin and Japanese author/illustrator Satoshi Kitamura (When Sheep Cannot Sleep, Me & My Cat, Stone Age Boy).

Fun for young kids. — Lots of fun for young families

There are lots of interactive activities to enjoy. — There are lots of interactive activities to enjoy

Exhibits

The museum has a number of galleries. These include:

The Spark Gallery opened in July 2017 as part of the museum's 25th anniversary celebrations, this versatile exhibition space hosts a wide range of dynamic displays.

All About Me launched in March 2013, this £2.9 million gallery, funded by the Wellcome Trust, delves into the themes of health, well-being, and the human body.

Living and Working Together is a miniature town square featuring a bank, fountain, eco-friendly street, and shops, along with a house to explore how communities live and work together.

SoundSpace is an interactive gallery where children can explore the science of sound and music, guided by Orby the Alien.

Imagination Space is open at set times for workshops, activities or parties.

The SoundGarden where under-5s can listen to global lullabies, design (and free) your own butterfly.

Desert Discovery is also aimed at the under-5s and kids can stroke the coyote, turn the giant crank, plus build and explore the baby oasis.

Outside is a large outdoor sandpit - The Beach.

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Nearby

The Piece Hall, the Calderdale Industrial Museum and Halifax Minster are all within easy walking distance of Eureka!

The Imperial Crown Hotel, Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. — The Imperial Crown Hotel

Hotels

Close to Halifax Station is The Imperial Crown Hotel. Other accommodation options include The White Swan Hotel and The Old Post Office.

See here for a complete listing of hotel accommodation in Halifax.

Hours & Access - Getting There

The museum is open during school term times from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm; closed on Monday. During school holidays the museum is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm daily.

Admission: Under 1 is free; 1-2 years old £ 7.95; 3+ £ 17.95; 15+ £ 7.95.

Eureka is adjacent to Halifax railway station; from Halifax bus station allow about 10 minutes on foot.

Address: Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 2NE
Tel: 01422 330069
www: eureka.org.uk